Devlin Hodges, Steelers rally to 10-10 at halftime: What they can do to win

PITTSBURGH — After the Browns started to crack open the Steelers run defense but before James Washington’s juggled touchdown, Devlin Hodges began to let loose.

He hit Washington down the left sideline. Randy Fichtner dipped into the Wildcat portion of his playbook. Hodges pointed to the cushion between himself and the corner loosely covering him.

The quarterback didn’t get the ball thrown to him, but Jaylen Samuels would help carry Pittsburgh to a field goal and its first points of the game — only for Hodges to piece together a 69-yard, five-play two-minute drill that tied the game at 10.

For portions of the first half the Steelers were widely outclassed. Yet never on both sides of the ball at once.

Them and their stripped-down offense are holding onto a game knotted at 10 with a playoff spot still thoroughly to play for. Here’s what the team as a whole needs more and less of to win.

More shots

Pittsburgh’s best moment of the game offensively was Hodges taking a free play from a Greedy Williams false start to hit James Washington down the left sideline for 31 yards. Prior to that play – with 7 minutes left in the half – the Steelers had all of 8 passing yards.

All of this is to say that the Steelers need to keep dialing up deep balls as though they have nothing to lose. Because while this team and its playoff chances have plenty at risk, much of the skill position players may be at the pinnacle of their careers.

Less missed tackles

It’s not fair. But the defense has to be very near to flawless for the Steelers to win this game. That was true before the game, too.

While the defense has done a passable job against Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt on the ground – 3.7 yards per carry – the secondary is getting gutted on yards after the catch. It’s how Hunt scored his touchdown. And that difference between the teams is going to dictate plenty of play calling on both sides until further notice.

His 34-yard kick return remains one of the highlights of the first half and one of the better runbacks the Steelers have had in years, sadly enough for them.

He doesn’t have to be anywhere near a constant in the offense, but Pittsburgh is going to need a play made on special teams to crack this game open in its favor. Whyte’s as likely as anyone to deliver it.

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